Most of us have experienced that moment of panic and slight irritation when a toilet becomes clogged. You rush to the hardware store and grab the first plunger you see, hoping it’ll do the job. But half the time, it doesn’t seem to work—and you end up calling a plumber anyway. What many people don’t realize is that the tool might not be the problem—it’s how you’re using it. Knowing the difference between sink plunger vs toilet plunger can make all the difference when it comes to handling clogs effectively on your own.
There are two main types of plungers, and they do very different things. Because they look so similar, you’ve probably been using them interchangeably. However, only one of them will successfully unclog a toilet, and perhaps that’s where you’ve been going wrong. One of these plungers is meant for sinks and tubs, and the other is designed for strictly toilets.
Plungers with a simple, flat bottom are the ones you want to use on a clogged sink or tub. But a plunger with that added rubber section on the bottom is the one you should be using on toilets. However, before you begin plunging, you’ll need to fill the “bell” with water first in order for the plunger to actually do its job. If you want to see this method in action (and hopefully decrease your chances of having to call a plumber), check out the video below!
While we’re on the topic of home care confusion, you might be surprised by how different sanitizing and disinfecting really are.